October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

The Pink Ribbon that has promoted awareness of breast cancer since 1992 is one of the most effective and indelible public campaigns in recent memory.  Inspired by the yellow ribbon campaign for hostages held by Iran in 1979 and the Red ribbon campaign for HIV/AIDS awareness in the early 90s, the pink ribbon was first promoted by the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure and made national with the publication of a Self magazine issue in 1992 that used the iconic image.

Over time, the sign of a pink ribbon has become inextricably linked with the prevalence of both breast cancer and the search for a cure.  Along with prostate cancer, breast cancer is one of the most common cancers found in people every year.

According to the Cancer Data Registry of Idaho, on average 220 male and female Idahoans die of breast cancer each year from 2017-2021, though in the ten years prior to 2020 9,600 Idahoans are living after having received a breast cancer diagnosis.  From 2016-2020 6,687 malignant breast cancers were diagnosed among female Idahoans, and 59 among males.

According to the same research, 11 in 100 female Idahoans will die from their cancer within five years of diagnosis, and 82 of 100 will still be alive within the same five years.  7 in 100 female Idahoans will die of something other than cancer in that time.

Early detection is the most important factor in positive longterm outcomes, and mammograms are recommended for all women at average risk of breast cancer beginning at the age of 40.  Screenings are recommended at younger ages for women at higher risk, which is a result of factors such as: known BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations, first degree relatives (parent, sibling, child) with the gene mutation, and radiation therapy to the chest between the ages of 10 and 30.  

Caribou Medical Center has a Women’s health staff, as well as a number of other providers, that are in place to help with the detection, diagnosis, and treatment process involved with breast cancer.  There are very few who have not in some way been affected by this, one of the most prevalent cancers.  Information on providers and services is listed below.

In addition to breast cancer, Caribou Medical Center can help with a range of health care issues, oftentimes right here in the county.  The clinic and medical center are working at continually expanding their available services to meet the community needs.  Some of the additional resources avalaible at the clinic and medical center include:

Resource List

• Gynecological and Obstetric care and reproductive health: including family planning, fertility/infertility, STD treatment, vaginal bleeding, polycystic ovarian syndrome, pain with intercourse, endometrial biopsies, prolapse evaluations, pelvic pain, cancer treatment, menopause treatment, robotic vasectomies, implantable birth control, bladder sling surgeries

• Breast health: including mammograms and cancer treatment

• Primary care: including routine checkups and health screenings, wellness visits, diagnosing and treating common health problems, medication management, immunizations, acute illness care, weight loss consultation, disease prevention, emotional & mental health screenings/management, natural hormone therapy, cosmetic Botox and fillers, microdermabrasion treatments, skin biopsies, abdominal trigger point injections

Provider Info

Dr. Jonathon Housley

Caribou Medical Clinic

M-Th 8-5

208-547-4961

Dr. John Franson

Lakeview Clinic C

W-F 8-5

208-547-2916

Dr. Preston Christensen

Lakeview Clinic C

M, T, W, F 8-5

208-547-2916

Dr. Brian Retherford

Caribou Medical Clinic

Wednesdays

208-547-4961

Heidi Walker, PA-C

Caribou Medical Clinic

Schedule varies

208-547-4961

Cherysh Stock NP

Caribou Medical Clinic

Schedule varies

208-547-4961